First Of Its Kind – DWI Court

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Oxford, NC – The District Attorney’s office held a week-long session of District Court from September 28, 2015 through October 2, 2015. This week-long session was the first of its kind in Granville County and was scheduled for the disposition of Driving While Impaired (DWI) cases only. The week-long DWI session was a collaborative effort between the offices of District Attorney Michael D. Waters and Granville County Clerk of Superior Court J. Yancey Washington. District Court Judge John W. Davis presided over the week-long session. Further assistance was provided by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys (Conference). Rashad A. Hauter, a DWI Resource Prosecutor with the Conference, assisted the District Attorney’s staff in the prosecution of these cases. Mr. Hauter is a native of Vance County and a graduate of Southern Vance High School.

Fifty-three cases were set for trial during the week-long session, and forty-one of those cases were resolved. Of those forty-one cases, twenty-eight cases were resolved by guilty plea or a guilty verdict by Judge Davis. Two defendants were found not guilty. Eleven cases were dismissed for insufficient evidence. Ten cases were continued to another court date and three defendants failed to appear and an order for their arrest was issued.

Many factors contribute to the successful prosecution of a DWI, including the presence of the arresting officer for his or her testimony and the return of any toxicology results from the SBI laboratory. The District Attorney’s office made every effort to coordinate all factors in an effort to begin to reduce the backlog of pending DWI cases in Granville County.

EVERY VOTE MATTERS

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UPDATE:  THE VANCE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS ADVISES THAT IT PLANS TO REVIEW THE 10 PROVISIONAL BALLOTS THIS AFTERNOON (THURSDAY) AROUND OR SHORTLY AFTER 4:00 P.M.  AS SOON AS THE REVIEW RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE, WIZS NEWS WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER UPDATE.

(Unofficial Results, subject to provisional ballots and canvass by The Vance County Board of Elections)

The Henderson Nonpartisan City Elections were close.  In fact, three of the four contested races are too close to call.  One recount and one run off are certain, and a second run off for the Mayoral position is a possibility.

Ten provisional ballots, which will now be subject to scrutiny by The Vance County Board of Elections, are enough ballots to reverse the projected winner for the Alderman 1st Ward Ward Seat contest between Marion Brodie Williams and Clarence J. Dale as well as enough votes to force a run-off election for mayor.

Eddie Ellington is the projected winner for mayor.  He received 1,152 votes or 50.13% of the votes cast.  Jim Kearney received 740 votes or 32.20% of the votes.  Juanita Somerville earned 406 votes or 17.67 percent.  Ellington received more than 50 percent plus one vote, so a runoff is not an option for Kearney at this time.  But, the 10 provisional ballots may change those percentages, which could then result in a runoff.

For the Alderman 1st Ward Ward Seat, there was just one vote of difference in the final tally.  Williams received 233 votes or exactly 50% of the votes cast.  Dale earned 232 votes, or 49.79%.  There was one write-in vote.  It is clear to see that the 10 provisional ballots could easily change the projected winner.  If that one write-in vote were to happen to be for Dale, then each candidate will have received exactly the same number of votes.  No matter what, in a two-person race where there is less than one percent of separation, the second-place candidate can ask for a recount.  That request for a recount must be received by The Vance County Board of Elections, in writing from the candidate, no later than November 14th at 5:00 P.M.

For the Alderman 3rd Ward At Large Seat, there will be a run off between Melissa Elliott and Brenda Peace.  Peace told WIZS News as a part of our live election coverage that she was 99.99 percent sure she would ask for a run off.  Elliott received 1,034 votes or 47.37%, while Peace earned 1,025 votes or 46.95%.  Elliott did not get 50 percent of the votes plus one vote, therefore a runoff is in the making.  With a separation of nine votes, it is unlikely that the 10 provisional ballots would have an impact.  If Peace does in fact ask for a runoff, she must do so in writing to the Vance County Board of Elections by November 15th at 12:00 P.M.

All the numbers are in the chart below, which clearly shows that incumbent George M. Daye defeated Blakely Bates for Alderman 4th Ward At Large Seat.  Daye’s 1,333 votes or 66.82% are clearly enough to declare him the victor when compared to the 645 votes, or 32.33%, attained by Bates.

Mike Rainey ran unopposed for Alderman 2nd Ward Ward seat.  He earned 777 votes, while there were seven names written in for the position.

Voter turn out was 23.13 percent.  Of the 9,978 registered voters, 2,308 ballots were cast.

Our WIZS live election coverage on 1450AM and on wizs.com included live comments from Ellington, Somerville, Peace, Bates, Dale and Rainey.  Kearney spoke with WIZS reported Kevin Bullock but chose to hold his public comments until later.

Our thanks to The Vance County Board of Elections for allowing us to broadcast from their location and to all their staff and volunteers.  Special thanks to Faye Gill and Kevin Kilgore.

LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE

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Live election-night coverage begins on WIZS at 7:00 P.M.  Listen live on 1450 AM or on wizs.com.

The polls close at 7:30 P.M., but our broadcast will begin from The Vance County Board of Elections at 7 o’clock.  We will report the results accurately to you as the precinct information arrives after 7:30 at The Board of Elections.  Our coverage will also include our mix of top-hit Country, Beach music, Oldies from the 50s to the 80s as well as Jazz and Big Band.

Print out this sheet and fill in the blanks with us at home.

A quick word with officials at The Board of Elections reveals that there is nothing unusual to report at this time, and it sounded as if everything was running smoothly so far today.

If a runoff is necessary, it will be held November 3.  The second place candidate may choose to call for a runoff if the candidate receiving the most votes does not get 50 percent of the votes plus one vote.

A total of 911 voters cast an early ballot.

Mayoral candidates are: Jim Kearney, Juanita Somerville and Eddie Ellington.

First Ward Ward Seat candidates are: Clarence J. Dale and Marion Brodie Williams.  Kearney presently holds this seat but is giving it up to run for mayor.

Second Ward Ward Seat is unopposed.  Incumbent Mike Rainey does not have a challenger in this election.

Third Ward At Large candidates are:  Brenda Peace, the incumbent, and challengers Mellissa Elliott and Jason Spriggs.

Fourth Ward At Large candidates are: George Day, the incumbent, and challenger Blakely Lee Bates.

City Fire Chief

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The process of selecting a fire chief for the Henderson Fire Department is underway, with applications in hand and interviews being set up, according to City Manager Frank Frazier.

August 31 is the date that former Fire Chief Danny Wilkerson retired after 40 years of service to the department and 16 years as chief.  Assistant Fire Chief Steve Cordell is serving as Interim Fire Chief during the application and selection process.

Frazier said, “I have received 11 applications from human resources that I am reviewing and should be setting up interviews over the next two weeks or so.  There are several internal applicants.  Besides the internal applicants, most of the other applicants are not local.”

One of those 11 applications is that of Interim Fire Chief Cordell.  Cordell expressed his excitement about being selected as the interim chief.  He said, “I would love to be the next fire chief and to provide the leadership needed to move the department forward.”

Frazier said, “The City of Henderson Fire Department has maintained a very good record and has been actively involved in the community for many years, so we certainly want that to continue.  Our department has experienced a good amount of retirement of seasoned firefighters, so it will be important for the new chief to provide leadership to insure that training and other aspects of running the fire department are passed on to the newer firefighters.”

Cordell said, if selected as chief, he would love to continue the good things going on in the department and the opportunity to carry the department successfully into the future.

A little more than a month ago, former Chief Wilkerson said, “We restructured the department some after he (Ranger) retired, and they may do that again when I leave, but the mission is still the same.”  He agreed that it was to protect and serve.

Danny Wilkerson started as a firefighter on July 24, 1975.  On April 1, 1999, Chief Danny Wilkerson became chief as former Chief Ranger Wilkerson retired.  Ranger served 40 total years and 32 years as chief.  All together, their time protecting and serving spanned 55 consecutive years.

Wilkerson reflected to a time in 2009 when deadly fires occurred in Henderson almost back to back.  Several young people had perished.  He said, “I felt like we were doing something wrong.  That’s when we started our fire inspection program, and we haven’t had a fire death since then.  We try to get into every home in the city limits and do inspections, get the person a smoke detector and install it.”

The interviews for the new chief are being conducted by Frazier as well as the human resources director.  Applications are still being accepted as of the time of this publication.



 


OBESITY A SOUTHERN TRADITION
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A SOUTHERN TRADITION & A MAJOR HEATH PROBLEM


As a group, southern states tend to lead the pack when it comes to being significantly overweight or, in technical terms, obese.


Arkansas is by far the leader in adult obesity with a trend line that is only rivaled by Mississippi.  Arkansas’ obesity rate is 35.9% with Mississippi at 35.5%, based on 2014 data.


North Carolina is in the middle of the pack, with an obesity rate of 29.7% in 2014.


Obesity in North Carolina:


    

  •    Year       % of Population       US Ranking
    • 

  •    1990                 12.3                            9th
    • 

  •    1995                 16.3                          12th
    • 

  •    2000                 20.9                           11th
    • 

  •    2005                 24.7                           17th
    • 

  •    2010                 29.4                           14th
    • 

  •    2014                 29.7                           24th
    • 



Cost of Obesity in North Carolina


Heart Disease, Arthritis and Obesity related Cancer are the major diseases that relate to both Medical Claims & Hospital Charges, not counting Lost Productivity on the job.


The chart below details the total cost of Unhealthy Lifestyles in NC.  Note that excess weight is the largest contributor to the overall cost; add in Diabetes, Hypertension and High Cholesterol and you can see the total cost of Obesity.


Obesity Chart


 


Vance-Granville Basketball Ready for 2015-2016 Season
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by Kevin Bullock


The Vance-Granville Community College Vanguard Basketball Team kicked off the season on October 1st with media day at Western Vance High School. Coach Michael Woody introduced the 2015-2016 version of the Vanguards to the media, and allowed questions after a 15 minute scrimmage in the Western Vance Gym. Below is the active roster for VGCC Basketball.


Aaron Robinson, Freshman, Shooting Guard, Southern Alamance High School


Alcyone Moore, Sophomore, Shooting Guard, Myers Park High School


Chris Pernell, Freshman, Shooting Guard, East Wake School of Arts


Darius Williams, Freshman, Small Forward, Carvers Bay High School (SC)


Phillip Williams, Freshman, Power Forward, Hemingway High School (SC)


Donal Gooch, Jr, Freshman, Power Forward, East Wake School of Arts


Dy’Quan Marrow, Freshman, Point Guard, Northern Vance High School


Joseph Avery, Freshman, Off-Guard, Westover High School


Raekwon Hall, Sophomore, Point Guard, Wakefield High School


TyQuon Reid, Freshman, Point Guard, Hillside High School


Tyrek Beverly, Sophomore, Off-Guard, J.F. Webb High School


Antonio Adams, Freshman, Small Forward, J.F. Webb High School


Anthony Mims, Freshman, Small Forward, Northern Vance High School


Stefan Cates, Sophomore, Off-Guard, J.F. Webb High School


Coach Woody is excited about the opener against Wake Tech, but acknowledges that they may not be Vance-Granville’s primary rival this year. Woody said, “Everybody thinks that Wake Tech is our big rival, but we’ve got Pitt circled on the calendar.” Vance-Granville will play their home games this year at Aycock Recreation Center. See their full schedule below.


 


Oct 24              Juco Jamboree (Scrimmage)                  Myrtle Beach SC                                  TBD


Oct 27              Saint Andrews University (Scrimmage)  Laurinburg SC                                       TBD


Nov. 6                      Wake Tech                 Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Nov. 10           Brayant Stratton         Aycock Recreation Center                6:00pm


Nov. 14                       Davidson Co. CC        Aycock Recreation Center                3:00pm


Nov. 16                        Saint Andrews              Saint Andrews                                      6:00pm


Nov. 18                      Patrick Henry CC       Aycock Recreation Center                6:00pm


Nov. 20                       Univ. of VA at Lynchburg Aycock Recreation Center                      7:00pm                                    


Nov. 24                        Richard Bland College   Richard Bland College                           7:00pm


Dec. 2              Louisburg College      Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Dec. 4              Pitt CC Tournament      TBD                                                     TBD


Dec. 8              Central Carolina CC      Central Carolina CC                              7:00pm


Jan. 5              USC-Salkehatchie       Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Jan. 7              Lenoir CC                   Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Jan. 11              Methodist Univ.             Methodist University                              8:00pm


Jan. 13              Patrick Henry CC         Patrick Henry CC                                 6:00pm


Jan. 18              Louisburg College          Louisburg College                                  3:00pm


Jan. 19              Lenoir CC                     Lenoir CC                                             7:00pm


Jan. 23              Guildford Tech CC        Guildford Tech CC                                3:00pm


Jan. 25              Pitt CC                         Pitt CC                                                 7:00pm


Jan. 27                        Catawba Valley CC     Aycock Recreation Center                6:30pm


Feb. 3              Richard Bland College           Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Feb. 5               Mid-Atlantic Christian    Mid-Atlantic Christian                            6:00pm


Feb. 8               Wake Tech CC             Wake Tech CC                                     7:00pm


Feb. 11                        Pitt CC                                    Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


Feb. 13             Bryant/Stratton College  Bryant/Stratton College                          3:00pm


Feb. 15             Sandhills CC                 Sandhills CC                                         6:00pm


Feb. 16             Catawba Valley CC      Catawba Valley CC                              6:30pm


Feb. 23                        Guildford Tech CC     Aycock Recreation Center                7:00pm


 


Home Games are Bold


VGCC defeats Central Carolina in women’s volleyball match
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via Andrew Beal


The Vance-Granville Community College women’s volleyball team notched another Region X conference victory on Sept. 29, with a 3-0 win (25-16, 25-18 and 25-18) at home over the Cougars from Central Carolina Community College. That brought the Vanguards’ record to 7-5 (3-2 in conference play).


Kara Reese of Henderson led VGCC in kills (12) and in blocks (six). Reese and Rachel Thomas of Louisburg also contributed ten digs apiece. Caitlyn Robins of Creedmoor was dominant in digs (15) and aces (six) while also posting five kills. As in VGCC’s previous conference wins, Melissa Elliott of Townsville was the team leader in assists, with 26 this time.


“After starting out slowly in our first two sets, we settled down and played good defense,” said VGCC Coach Christopher Young. “We had strong performances from Rachel Thomas, Caitlyn Robins and Morgan Carter, great blocking from Jesse Edwards and Kara Reese, and Melissa Elliott did a great job setting up hitters. Jesse left the third set early with an injury, but we stayed the course with strong defense and pulled away with the 3-0 victory.”


VGCC was coming off a pair of non-conference losses on the road at nearby Louisburg College. In the first match of the Sept. 22 doubleheader, the Hurricanes won in three sets (25-21, 25-14 and 25-18). In the second match, VGCC lost the first two sets to Louisburg, 25-22 and 25-17, came back to win the third set, 25-17, but lost the fourth, 25-10.


Over the course of both Louisburg matches, Reese and Robins each had 19 digs, while Edwards and Thomas each had 18. Edwards recorded the most kills (12) and blocks (15). Elliott led the Vanguards in assists, with a total of 32.


The next home match for the Vanguards is set for Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. at Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson. The visiting opponent is the squad from Davidson County Community College. Doubleheaders at Aycock versus Rockingham Community College on Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. and Laurel University on Oct. 10 at noon will wrap up VGCC’s home schedule for 2015.


GrassStreet
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Our very own “GrassStreet” band from Henderson will be performing this week at the International Bluegrass Music Association event, taking place for the third straight year in Raleigh.  This is a big deal.


Wayne Kinton, musician and band leader, says, “We’re just glad they let us come over here to do a few shows.”  That’s Kinton’s modesty for you.  David Kinton plays bass/mandolin, Ricky Hargis is on the banjo and Tab Kearns the dobro.


GrassStreet IBMA


GrassStreet sends out regular email updates, and the most recent installment reads like this:


Hello from IBMA World of Bluegrass in beautiful Raleigh, NC! We’re excited that the center of the bluegrass world is once again in Raleigh for the 3rd straight year. We’ll be learning from the experts on the business and musical side of the music we love all week long. Plus we’ll get to pick a little too towards the end of the week.


If you’ll be in town for the big event, be sure to stop by and say hey during one of our performances. Also, if you’re not sure what all the fuss is about, check out https://ibma.org/world-of-bluegrass/ or https://www.wideopenbluegrass.com/index.php for more info.


In addition to the ticketed events, there’s lots of free music going on this week.


THURSDAY, OCT. 1st from 6-7pm – The Architect (108 E Hargett St) – $10 cover; part of the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble (https://www.ibma.org/world-of-bluegrass/bluegrass-ramble)


FRIDAY, OCT. 2nd from 5-7pm – Brasco Marketing (305 W Martin St) – Free show! Part of the First Friday Raleigh, featuring local art and music. See www.godowntownraleigh.com/first-friday-raleigh for info


SATURDAY, OCT. 3rd –  All free shows during the Wide Open Bluegrass StreetFest 2-3pm – Common 414 (414 Fayetteville St) 5-6pm – High Lonesome Strings Stage (Fayetteville St between Davie & Martin) 7-9pm – Paddy O’Beers (121 Fayetteville St)


Whew! That’s all for now. Going to be a busy and fun week of bluegrass


Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for highlights from out adventures in the city!


Wayne, David, Ricky & Tab


www.grassstreet.net


County Fire & EMS
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Vance County Welcomes Chris Wright as Fire Chief


Vance County is pleased to announce Chief Chris Wright has joined the County to lead the County’s Fire Department. In his position, Mr. Wright will be responsible for leading the Department of 35 full and part time employees and providing guidance

alongside of the EMS Director for the reorganization separating the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Departments.


Wright, a native and lifelong resident of Vance County, comes highly qualified. He has served as the Chief of the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department for the past seven years and most recently has worked as a Fire Lieutenant with the Youngsville Fire Department. Also over the course of his career he has held positions as a Training/Safety Officer as well as a Fire Captain with the City of Henderson where he spent 11 years. Additionally he has served as the Emergency Services Director and Fire Marshal for over four years in a neighboring county. Chief Wright holds a level III Fire Inspector license in addition to numerous other fire certifications and serves as an instructor at the Vance Granville Community College teaching courses in Firefighting level I & II, Live Fire, Pump Operator, Aerial Operator and Emergency response.


Wright holds an associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology as well as in Emergency Preparedness Technology from Durham Technical Community College and has been involved in emergency services within Vance County and surrounding counties for over 25 years.


Vance County Announces Javier Plummer as EMS Director


Vance County is pleased to announce Mr. Javier Plummer has been promoted to EMS Director to lead the county’s Emergency Medical Services Department. In his new position, Mr. Plummer will be responsible for leading the Department of 45 full

and part time employees and providing guidance alongside of the Fire Chief for the reorganization separating the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Departments.


Plummer, a native and lifelong resident of Vance County, is a highly qualified paramedic who has spent his entire professional career with the County for over 15 years. In his current role as a captain and paramedic, he has worked closely with the current battalion chiefs and has been a steady presence overseeing personnel on his shift. Mr. Plummer is well regarded for his demeanor and paramedic skills and is poised to lead the Department. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University and holds numerous certificates on the basic, intermediate, and paramedic level as an Emergency Medical Technician.